SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — As part of the nationwide Elderly Filipino Week (EFW) 2024 celebration, the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) Cluster 1, in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross–La Union chapter, organized a blood donation drive held on Oct. 2 at Barangay Ilocanos Sur, here.
This year’s theme, ‘Senior Citizens – Building the Nation, Inspiring Generations,’ highlights the importance of addressing the healthcare needs of our seniors and emphasizes the importance of promoting intergenerational solidarity and community-driven care.
The drive drew over 100 volunteers from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Philippine Coast Guard, and civilians.
It also successfully collected and transmitted 32 bags of blood which will be used to support the medical needs of senior citizens and other patients in need.
Commissioner Reymar R. Mansilungan of NCSC Cluster 1 expressed his gratitude to the volunteers and emphasized the importance of initiatives like this.
“We are not only providing immediate medical assistance through the blood donations, but we are also fostering a culture of respect, care, and support between generations. This is essential for nation-building,” Mansilungan remarked.
The commissioner also highlighted potential future partnerships with the Philippine Red Cross, discussing ideas including regular health check-ups and mobile healthcare services for senior citizens.
These discussions align with the NCSC’s long-term goal of enhancing access to quality healthcare for the elderly, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Patrolman Arthur Dayugan of Sudipen Police Station, one of the blood donors, said the initiative reflected a deep sense of civic duty and a commitment to the well-being of the elderly in the province.
“As a public servant, the opportunity to donate blood was more than just a one-time act of service but served as an acknowledgment of the critical role that senior citizens continue to play in our community,” Dayugan said.
Among the volunteers were local college and university students who helped coordinate and manage logistics, ensuring the blood drive ran smoothly. For many young volunteers, it was their first time donating blood and they appreciated the chance to support seniors while gaining insight into the challenges the elderly face.
Hanah Ferrer, a student participant from Lorma Colleges remarked, “Volunteering is not just a pleasure for me, but a heroic act to save lives, especially for our senior citizens.”
As the NCSC works to improve the health and welfare of senior citizens, the blood donation drive highlights the positive impact of community-driven initiatives.
In addition to the blood donation drive, the week-long celebration of Filipino Elderly Week included a tree-planting activity and a coastal cleanup. (MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)
